Category Archives: Home Safety Products

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SECURITY LIGHTING (Guest Post)

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Security lighting fulfills a number of important psychological functions. Primarily, security lighting provides the user with peace of mind, and reduces worries over burglaries in the home. Having a security light fitted also alters the perception of a property, while also being shaped by how a home owner interprets their immediate surroundings and their threat level. In terms of potential thieves, security lights act as an important deterrent that creates uncertainty about going through with a job. However, it is important to think carefully about whether security lights are being properly used, and how they might create a different impression for would-be thieves. These points are developed below: 

1 – Peace of Mind 

Having a basic set of security lights grants a home owner a level of personal safety. Those worried about being robbed or their property vandalised are able to rely on extra security to reduce risk. While perhaps only being a simple solution to increasing security, having lights in place can mean that a home owner can think less about monitoring and checking their property for threats. Relying on lights to provide this alert means that a plan is in place to provide an early warning, and more time to respond to a problem. 

2 – Perception of Property 

How security lights work depend on a person’s perception of their property and the surrounding area. Those that feel safe within a suburban or gated community might view security lights as an unnecessary expense, due to their belief that security is already provided for. Others may use security lights to better control their fears about living in an urban area with a high crime rate. Again, peace of mind and reduced anxiety are some of the primary psychological drivers behind installing security lights. 

3 – Deterrent 

Understanding the psychology of thieves is important to protecting your home. Sudden bright lights, or a well lit driveway and door, can be unattractive to thieves exploring a neighbourhood at night. Lights draw the attention of those in the neighbourhood, and lower the ability of a thief from being able to make a break in without identified. The shock factor of bright lights kicking in can also make a thief leave by creating the impression of further security features within a property. 

4 – Caution 

It is important, however, not to overvalue or rely on security lighting for peace of mind, or to trust that they will necessarily scare off burglars. Lights on a timer may indicate to a burglar that the owners of a property are not there, while those that scout out a neighbourhood will be able to work out if there aren’t any extra security measures. The problem of lights coming on for passers by may also mean that people are less likely to turn to lighting as a sole solution for their security. In this way, it’s also important to have a good set of bolts, glass breakage detectors and other devices in place if you are worried about a break in to your home.

About the author
Serena is an in-house copywriter for a leading supplier of energy saving electrical supplies at Discount Electrical. In her spare time she writes various other blogs online on numerous other topics such as health, automotive and the theatre.

 

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

AN EFFECTIVE WAY TO EXTINGUISH SMALL HOUSEHOLD FIRES (GUEST POST)

There are times when there are small fires at your home. In a state of shock, you usually panic and call the fire brigade when you could have easily extinguished it yourself. In unfortunate incidents, there are also chances that these small fires could end up turning ugly and disastrous till the time fire brigade reaches your place. Therefore, keeping convenient and easy to use materials or equipments at your home to tackle such situations is a must. 

Fire blankets are one such option which can quickly, easily and efficiently help you to extinguish small household fires, all by yourself. These blankets are usually used in the kitchen area as there are chances of small stove or electrical fires in this part of your house. Usually, fire needs three different elements to keep on going. These are oxygen, heat and fuel. In the absence of any one, the fire ceases to exist. This is the principle on which fire resistant blankets work. These blankets make use of fire resistant material which blocks out any one of the three elements which keep a fire going. Depending on the usage and manufacturer, these blankets may be made out of different types of materials. Blankets which are made for small household fires are made up of fiberglass. 

How do these blankets work 

When you put a fire resistant blanket on top of the fire correctly, it starts suffocating the flames. By covering the whole surface area of the fire, these blankets cut off the oxygen supply which let the fire grow. By cutting the supply of oxygen, these blankets make sure that the fire does not grow and spread. Make sure that you do not try to extinguish big fires with the help of these blankets. Fire resistant blankets help in extinguishing only small household fires. In case of a big fire, just leave the area and give a call to the fire brigade. 

Storing Fire resistant blankets

Fire blankets can be easily stored in any corner of your home. They come in small plastic packages when you buy them. The package usually comes along with a manual. This manual has all the necessary instructions on how to store and use a blanket in times of need. Make sure that you go through all the instructions at the time of purchase. Depending on the manufacturers and the usage of the blanket, different blankets may have different instructions. So, you should read the instructions on how to unpack and use a blanket as soon as you purchase it. Fire blankets should be usually kept or stored in an area which is prone to small fires. This area may include kitchen or an additional cooking area where you might be keeping your grill or barbeque. Also remember to not lock away the blanket in a cabinet. Make sure that it is easily accessible whenever it is needed. The best place may be the kitchen wall or somewhere near the additional cooking area. These blankets are usually packed in a way so that they can be easily thrown over a small fire when needed.

Thanks, Sachin, for this information.  I think I may try one of those fire blankets! 

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

SIX SAFETY TIPS ALL PARENTS SHOULD KNOW (Guest Post)

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New parents may not realize just how much danger their children are exposed to on a daily basis. All families have to take precautions to protect their children, so that their homes are as risk free as possible from accidents. Below are six safety tips that can help make your home safe from their infancy, through crawling and walking:

Glass
Far too many children are seen in emergency rooms for injuries due to glass furniture. Coffee tables and side tables are not required by law to use safety glass, going the safe route and putting away furniture that has glass in it is the best thing to do until your child is older.

Window Blinds
Children continue to have accidents and strangulation from mini-blind and drapery cords. This is because children love twirling around in cords,and do not realize the dangers. The only way to prevent accidents is to invest in a blind winder, so you can have all your cords stored away, without hanging down. The cords can then operate with the push of a button!

Water
Children under the age of 5 are at the highest risk of drowning, but all kids needs to be watched carefully around water. If you have a pool in your yard or hot tub, be sure to have a high fence around it, locked at all times. Alarms should be installed on any door that can lead to a pool area, and be sure that any water you have is free of toys floating around that would entice a child to go there. Babies can drown in something as small as a bucket of water! 

Storage
Cabinets and cupboards should be secured with child safety locks. Inside those cabinets are glass dishes, toxic cleaning products, medicines, heavy pots and pans and other things that can be deadly to your baby, should they get into them. Installing locks on all cabinets and even drawers will help your baby be much safer.

Windows
Deaths from open windows has risen in the past few years. Preventing falls can be easy though, by simply having window guards put on the windows. Make sure all windows are locked too, so that your children don’t have these types of accidents.

Safety Gates
Safety gates should be used around your home anywhere that a baby can be hurt. Safety gates are a must at stairways, around fireplaces and at openings to rooms that the child would not be safe in. Netting is well worth the effort too!

There are many more ways to protect your child from hazards at home. Ensure that your children are at the least risk possible when in your home by taking these preventative measures.

Grace Green writes about safety, parenting & more at http://www.boatinsurance.org..

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Guest Post U

The University of Great Content
Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, Home Safety Products, Protective Clothing, Weather Protection

PLAY IT SAFE THIS SUMMER! CHILL OUT!

July just arrived, and with it came plenty of hot sun and humid weather.  Life goes on, whether it is work or play, so the best way to cope with it is to keep your body temperature as cool as possible.  (My suggestion is to stay inside!)  For those folks who don’t have that option, there are some “cool” ideas that we hope will help you make this summer go by faster by staying as comfortable as possible. 

Here are some ideas  from Texas America Safety Company: 

Introducing the MiraCool Body Cooling Vests.These vests come with water activated MiraCool crystals sewn into the fabric of the vest. These crystals become activated once soaked in cold water for approximately 30 minutes, and then will stay cool for the rest of the day. The cooling vests can be worn over shirts, or under a protective suit to provide an excellent source of heat relief.The cooling vests measure 24 inches tall, and 16 inches wide. These are a one size fits most type of poncho design. The sides are open and have adjustable straps with snap-on buckles. Finally, the material is 100 percent cotton. Features:
  • Pull over poncho style
  • 1 3/8″ Yellow gloss reflective tape
  • Expandable sides with adjustable buckles
  • One size fits all

 

There are also MiraCool Bandannas, which work on the same principle.  They are great for outdoor workers, golfers, and athletes.  Once soaked with water for 30 minutes, they keep you cooled down for 18 holes, at least. 

If you have a way to carry these, here’s a suggestion you may not have heard before:

Purchase a pack of inexpensive washcloths from a dollar store, roll each up and secure with a rubber band.  Then toss them into a cooler of ice water for everyone to grab.  The neck and wrists are the best cooling points to choose, because the large arteries run close to the skin. 

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!  Water is the best choice, of course, but certain other drinks, such as Gatorade can help fight dehydration and fatigue on the job or at play.  Drinks with caffeine or alcohol can cause more damage than good, so leave those for later.  When we sweat, we lose weight, so we need to restore the weight lost by ingesting water.  Football and baseball players and other athletes that are exposed to extreme heat, should have plenty of water on hand during practice. 

Of course, it goes without saying that we must protect our heads, eyes, and skin.  For construction or other outdoor workers who must protect their heads by wearing hardhats, there are sunshields that fit well onto the hardhat for additional shade, as well as neck cloths.  UV rays can damage our eyes, so Polarized safety sunglasses can protect those peepers.  Regardless if you work outdoors or play outdoors, long-sleeve shirts and hats offer skin safety, along with plenty of sunscreen.  

Summer can be a fun time for vacations, but not-so-fun for those who must be out in the heat due to work or athletics.  Please take care of yourself by using the right precautions and protection.  Sunburn can be costly later down the line, while making you miserable at the time you experience it.  With the 4th Of July coming up, remember to drive safely, buckle up, keep your “cool” behind the wheel and have a safe holiday. 

We hope our tips on “chilling out” will help you this summer.  Be sure to check out all our cooling products, and if you mention you read it on the blog, there’ll be a 5% discount for you!

 

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FIRE ALARMS AND SMOKE ALARMS? (GUEST POST)

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Alarms are the first line of defence in the event of a fire. They act as an early warning sign giving you the chance to evacuate premises and escape any fire-related danger.  Everyone wants to protect their homes and by law, any facility used for a commercial purpose must protect those that work inside it, but there is often some confusion as to the difference between a fire alarm and a smoke alarm.

Well, the clue really is in the title. One detects smoke, and the other detects fire. But as the saying goes, there is no smoke without fire, so both are equally important. In fact, more people will suffer from inhalation of smoke than they will from fire burns. Here’s why the two are so different and where they are best suited:

Smoke alarms

What are they?

Smoke alarms are devices that are able to detect smoke or fire, giving an audible alarm as a result. They are fantastic at detecting a fire in its early stages, allowing you adequate warning to evacuate before inhaling any harmful gases.  Smoke inhalation is the primary cause of fatality when it comes to fire-related deaths. In fact, in the majority of cases, the victims are asleep when the smoke enters their lungs, cementing the absolute requirement for smoke alarms.

What are the benefits?

Because they are simple yet effective, they are ideal for domestic use. Ideally, one should be placed on each level of the home, and in particular where you can hear it from the bedroom. It is advisable not to place them in areas that may cause frequent activation such as the kitchen or bathroom.

Many of these can be combined with carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon Monoxide is an odourless, tasteless and invisible gas, meaning you can be killed by it before you even know it existed. Combined smoke alarms can protect from this as well as smoke particles. 

Smoke detectors are the most basic device available on the market and are cheap additions to a building considering their vital role. They are best suited for homes, where people can exit the property quickly and easily. 

Fire alarms

What are they?

A fire alarm detects the presence of fire by monitoring the changes in environment associated with combustion. This can include the detection of smoke which is why they are commonly confused with smoke alarms.

In commercial environments, where fire alarms are best suited, if you employ more than five people, you need to have a written record of your fire assessment by law. This will affect how many fire alarms are required and what fire precautions should be made in order to protect the facility and its staff.

What are the benefits? 

Fire alarms can be linked with other systems making for an efficient and safer system. For example, when a fire alarm is triggered, sprinkler systems can be activated, or the local fire station can be alerted.

For this reason, and for their ability to be more complex, fire alarms are generally not used in domestic environments.   

When you consider how much damage could be prevented, and how many lives are saved a year from their simple installation, their cost is minimal in comparison. 

Author Bio: 

Karen Asbury is Firemart’s Fire Safety Expert. Firemart are an online fire safety equipment retailer in the UK.

 We appreciate this informative article regarding the importance of  fire alarms  in large buildings, hospitals, nursing homes, hotels, schools, theaters, and places of work where many lives are involved.  Let this also be a reminder to keep your smoke detectors working, by checking the batteries every so often. pb

 

 

 

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

WHY YOU NEED A SECURITY DOOR (GUEST POST)

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Why You Need a Security Door

Remember the days you could leave your doors unlocked when you went to bed at night and not think twice? Unfortunately those days are long gone. More and more families are investing in alarm systems and security doors in order to protect their home, their family, and their possessions from forced entries and burglaries. Many burglars prefer to use the front door when executing a robbery, so it is important to add any elements of protection you can.  Installing a security door is an excellent way to ramp up your protection while avoiding the long-term monthly fees of an alarm system. Though it may seem simple, a heavy duty security door may be enough to cause prospective robbers to pass on your home in search of an easier target. Security doors are an excellent, low cost preventative measure that provides a great deal of benefits to your home.

Types of Doors

Doors come in a variety of different styles, with options for every budget. Steel doors can be purchased with single or double panes. You can choose to have a single lock or multiple locks. The thickness of the door varies as well, the highest typically being 50mm. Anywhere from four to eight hinges support the door itself, which come in a wide variety of colors and styles.

Benefits

  • Nearly Impossible to Break into

The obvious benefit of security doors is the protection it provides. A robber would have to use a sophisticated machine of some sort to open the locks on a steel door. In fact, most doors are actually drill-proof, and special devices are required to open them. Fortunately most burglars are not going to want to draw attention to themselves by attempting to open your steel door.

  • Fireproof

The material used on most security doors makes them resistant to fire. Many security doors are made from galvanized iron or galvanized steel. If galvanized metal burns at all, it will burn very slowly. For this reason, people sometimes place steel doors inside the house to prevent fire from spreading quickly.

  • Energy Efficient

A main benefit of security doors that people often overlook is their ability to reduce your energy bills. During hot months, security doors can be bolted while the main door is left open, allowing a cool breeze to circulate through the house. In winter, the extra layer of steel helps insulate the doorway from chilly wind.

  • Allows Increased Light

Closing the security door but leaving the main door open allows more light to enter the home. This can brighten up the appearance of a space, make it look larger, as well as improve the temperament of those in the home.

  • Tough and Long Lasting

Steel doors are extremely durable, and are not prone to cracks or other imperfections that result from misuse, pressure, or harsh weather conditions.

  • Visually Appealing

Despite the common opinion, security doors actually add to the curb appeal of your home. They  are now manufactured in a vast array of designs and colors to complement any home décor. They provide a polished look to the exterior of your home, while simultaneously increasing your property’s value.

  • Ease of Access

The bottom part of the door frame is welded low so wheelchairs and other wheeled devices can pass through the doorway easily. You also don’t have to worry about young children or pets injuring themselves on the door because they are welded low.

Security doors are an excellent investment. They deter potential intruders, improve the appearance of your home, and are virtually indestructible.  Even those who already have a home security  system will benefit from the many attributes a steel door provides to your property.

 

 

General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

THREE THINGS YOUR TEEN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA AND HOME SECURITY

Raising teens presents some special challenges for parents.  You know that your child still needs your protection, but teenagers are growing more concerned with their independence and at times want to be on their own.  Furthermore, teens today are more increasingly involved with social media, which means they are susceptible to those who may have an identity other than what they claim from behind a computer screen.  Of course, there are ways you can keep your teen safe both at home and when he or she is online.  You need to make your teen aware of a few things so that he or she stays safe. 

1.         Some Information Should Not Be Posted on Facebook

You would be hard pressed to find a teen that is not connected to Facebook.com in some way.  Even though users must be at least 14 before creating an account, you will still find lots of teenagers using the social medium.  However, there are a few things you need to make sure you tell your teen not to post on the site.  These include:

  •            Birthday
  •            Explicit or Potentially Embarrassing Photos
  •            Extended or Short Vacation Plans
  •            Home Address
  •            Mother’s Maiden Name
  •           Phone Number
  •           Photos of the Home
  •           Place of Birth
  •           Searchable Public Profile

Information such as this can be used by identity thieves and burglars.  Furthermore, this type of information can leave your teen as a target by pedophiles and stalkers.  You can find more information about what not to share on these kinds of networks on sites such as howstuffworks.com. 

2.         Know How to Use a Home Security System

You may invest in a wireless home security system such as those you find at lifeshield.com to protect your family.  However, you need to consider that your teen can be home alone at certain times and may need to get in and out of the house securely when you are not there.  In this case, you need to trust your teen with any security codes needed for safe entry into the house.  You may also have to impose some ground rules such as limiting the amount of guests your teen can have over at one time while you are away and not allowing guests in certain areas of the home or property. 

3.         Be Careful About Using Apps

Since smartphones and mobile devices continue to grow in popularity, you will find that many teens are using them to document every aspect of their lives in cyberspace.  This can be especially dangerous when using geo-location apps and services or services such as Foursquare.  A friend can check in to your home and make it a public location with this kind of app.  While these may be fun for your teens to use and tell everyone where they are and who they are with, they can let cyber stalkers keep track of them and also inadvertently announce when they are and are not home.  You need to make your teen aware of how social media is connected to home security. 

Jennifer Kurtz is a stay-at-home mom who writes about Technology and Lifestyle on her blog.  She worked in marketing before her son was born, and keeps up with the tech field through her blog.  She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, her 2-year-old son, and a cat named Einstein.

Jennifer, this is excellent advice for the parents of teens.  Our world has become too dangerous to take chances, and parents should monitor what their teens are doing online, and other social medias, as much as possible.  Thanks again. pb

 

 

Fall Safety, First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

NATIONAL WINDOW SAFETY WEEK APRIL 1 – 7

There are so many health and safety observations for the month of April, it will keep us busy to describe them all.  April 1-7 is National Window Safety Week, sponsored by the National Safety Council.  The Window Safety Task Force of the NSC reminds parents that windows play a vital role in our homes, but they can also pose a risk of a fall in the home if the appropriate safety measures are not taken.   Fires and falls of all kinds are among the leading causes of injury and death in young children.  Children may climb up on furniture to reach the window, and fall out.  It is important that when windows are kept open for ventilation, such as these pretty spring days, there’s no furniture close by that they can access a window.  One study revealed that more than 5,000 kids fall out of windows every year, suffering injuries that can be severe. 

The Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) has spearheaded industry and consumer-oriented programs dealing with screen safety issues.  SMA’s “Kids Can’t Fly” programs have gained national recognition in promoting the concept that screens are designed to furnish ventilation and keep insects out – they are not designed to keep small children in!   Children should also be taught not to play near open windows or around patio doors.  A fall through a glass door can cause a serious injury, or be fatal. 

Windows also play a vital role in home safety.  They serve as a secondary escape route in the event of a fire or other emergency.  Legislators throughout the United States have mandated building codes requiring specific windows be designated as points of escape.  The size and placement of windows designated  for escape in a residence are also governed by building codes.  The ability to easily open widows and remove insect screens without special knowledge or tools is critical to safely escaping through a window.  Many persons have died in their own burning homes, because of sealing their windows shut to prevent break-ins or worse, in dangerous neighborhoods.  This is a tragedy, when people’s safety is so threatened.  If you need more security for your home, call your local fire department or building code official to determine proper window guard placement, such as security bars, grilles or grates, that have a functioning release mechanism. 

Plan a strategic window in each sleeping and living area that will meet escape and rescue requirements.  Plant shrubs or grass beneath the windows, that could furnish a more cushioned landing space, just in case.  Every family should have an emergency escape plan.  Teach your children that a window can save their life in the event of a fire.  Practice this plan regularly.  They are taught things about fire safety at school, as well, but if you prepare them for action at home, they will understand the importance of exiting the house the right way. 

It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit handy in every home.  Keep it stocked with the right supplies for every scenario, from scrapes and cuts to over-the-counter medications.  Remember, keep your windows locked when you shut them.  Don’t invite trouble.

First Aid Safety, General Safety Issues, Home Safety Products

DO YOU HAVE THESE FIVE SAFETY TOOLS IN YOUR HOME?

How about taking a little inventory of your home and see if you have all of these protective tools?  I have found that I need to go buy some of them, as well!

Smoke detectors are one of those amazing inventions that, because of mass production, cost almost nothing. And while they cost very little, (around $7), smoke d­etectors save thousands of lives each year. In fact,it is recommended that every home have one smoke detector per floor.  All smoke detectors consist of two basic parts: a sensor to sense the smoke and a very loud electronic horn to wake people up. Smoke detectors can run off of a 9-volt battery or 120-volt house current.  Test your detectors regularly.

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed outside all bedrooms.  CO is oderless and colorless, and can be fatal unless detected.  Place a detector outside all bedrooms.  Carbon monoxide poisoning impairs breathing, and can cause permanent brain damage or death, especially after prolonged exposure to this gas.  Learn what to do to help someone who has been exposed to it, by first getting them outside into fresh air, and calling for medical help immediately.

­A fire­ extinguisher is an absolute necessity in any home or office. While there’s a good chance that the extinguisher will sit on the wall for years, collecting dust, it could end up saving your property and even your life.  Most fire extinguishers asre combination Class ABC types.  Class A puts out fires of ordinary combustibles.  Class B is used on fires involving flammable liquids such as oil.  Class C is used on electrical fires.  Fire extinguishers are designed to remove at least one of these elements so that a fire will die out:

  • Extreme heat
  • Oxygen (or similar gas)
  • Fuel

One of the newer circuit breaker devices is the ground fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI.  These sophisticated breakers are designed to protect people from electrical shock, rather than prevent damage to a building’s wiring. The GFCI constantly monitors the current in a circuit’s neutral wire and hot wire. When everything is working correctly, the current in both wires should be exactly the same. As soon as the hot wire connects directly to ground (if somebody accidentally touches the hot wire, for example), the current level surges in the hot wire, but not in the neutral wire. The GFCI breaks the circuit as soon as this happens, preventing electrocution. Since it doesn’t have to wait for current to climb to unsafe levels, the GFCI reacts much more quickly than a conventional breaker.  These should be used especially in the laundry room, bathroom, and kitchen.

Last, but not least, every home should have First-aid/Emergency Kits that are stocked with the following basic first aid supplies, medicines, and home health supplies:

Bandages and dressings:

  • Adhesive bandages (Band-Aid or similar brand); assorted sizes
  • Sterile gauze pads and adhesive tape
  • Elastic (ACE) bandage for wrapping wrist, ankle, knee, and elbow injuries
  • Triangular bandage for wrapping injuries and making an arm sling
  • Aluminum finger splints
  • Eye shield, pads, and bandages

Home health equipment:

  • Thermometer
  • Syringe, medicine cup, or medicine spoon for giving specific doses of medicine
  • Disposable, instant ice bags
  • Tweezers, to remove ticks and small splinters
  • Sterile cotton balls
  • Sterile cotton-tipped swabs
  • Blue “baby bulb” or “turkey baster” suction device
  • Save-A-Tooth storage device in case a tooth is broken or knocked out; contains a travel case and salt solution
  • First-aid manual

Medicine for cuts and injuries:

  • Antiseptic solution, such as hydrogen peroxide or wipes
  • Antibiotic ointment, such as bacitracin, polysporin, or mupirocin
  • Sterile eyewash, such as contact lens saline solution
  • Calamine lotion for stings or poison ivy
  • Hydrocortisone cream, ointment, or lotion for itching
  • Benadryl, if you know you are allergic to stings, etc.

By planning ahead, you can create a well-stocked home first aid kit. Keep all of your supplies in one location so you know exactly where they are when you need them.  Think about ensuring your family’s safety by having these important safety tools in your home.